Mystery of Sunken Superyacht: Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Investigations

Italian Navy divers have recovered video surveillance equipment from the superyacht that sank off Sicily, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others. This recovery may shed light on the reasons behind the sudden sinking during a storm. Prosecutors and specialized labs are investigating the incident.

Italian Navy divers have retrieved video surveillance equipment from the superyacht that sank off Sicily last month, claiming the lives of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six other individuals, sources reported on Friday.

The recovered equipment might provide crucial insights into why the British-flagged Bayesian yacht capsized during a violent and unexpected storm near Palermo's port of Porticello on August 19. Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, four guests, and the cook were among those who perished in the quick disaster. Thankfully, fifteen others, including Lynch's wife, survived and were rescued by a nearby vessel.

The divers, acting on behalf of prosecutors, have been meticulously examining the wreck and have recently salvaged parts of the deck, computer materials, video surveillance systems, and hard drives. This electronic evidence will be analyzed in specialized laboratories outside of Sicily to seek potential recoverable data.

Coast guard official Daniele Governale noted that divers used a hyperbaric chamber, enabling repeated dives of up to 40 minutes each. Additionally, underwater images taken by a remotely operated vehicle will aid in drafting a salvage plan for the yacht.

Three crew members, including New Zealand captain James Cutfield, are currently under investigation for manslaughter and shipwreck. It is important to understand that being under investigation does not imply guilt or the pressing of formal charges. The investigation, which necessitates raising the wreck from the seabed where it rests at a depth of about 50 meters, is expected to be prolonged.

(With inputs from agencies.)